John Haaren (1855–1916)

This 1904 publication is essentially designed for teaching children history, but that doesn't mean to say adults should ignore it. It offers extended summaries, rather than in-depth detail, of thirty famous men - and one woman (Joan of Ark) - of the Middle Ages.

Each chapter also covers other prominent men from these times. The period covered ranges from AD 394-1471, though it also sums up times pre-394 and briefly rounds up to 1485 when Henry VII won the English crown from Richard III.

With this being aimed at children it shouldn't be surprising that the language is simple. The advantage of this is that there are no long sections of condensed waffle or unnecessary digression. The author picks out the most relevant events and details and he explains it all in clear terms.

Being an Englishman myself I was especially interested in the chapters focused on English and British history.

My only gripe is that the author states as *fact* that Richard III was 'determined to make himself king. So he put both the young princes in the Tower. He than hired ruffians to murder them.' Where's the evidence? I can only surmise that Mr Haareen was influenced by Shakespeare.

He also states as fact that 'Richard was a bad man.' I know many people agree with this, but I'm not convinced. Wasn't much of Richard's reputation owed to Tudor propaganda?

I accept, however, that there wasn't the information available for historians in 1904 compared to what modern historians have at there disposal. I guess it was hard for someone in the early 1900s to present a balanced account of events that took place in 1483-85.

Apart from the few points on Richard III, this book was worth reading. I recommend this to anyone with an interest in this period of history but not to anyone in search of in-depth views or critical analysis.… (mer)

Although written for ages 9 through 14 at the end of the 19th century and early 20th century, I found this book highly informative as a survey of all the various events and personalities that shaped Ancient Greece and a great deal of Western civilization; from its mythology to its philosophers and leaders, Haaren provides very readable stories, and I found that I had developed better knowledge and awareness from reading it-- and humbled from it--which actually is a good thing because this is only a series of historical ages and profound influential civilizations--which means I'll read more.… (mer)